Harley Davidson, Harley for short, is a motorcycle manufacturer born from the minds of Bill Harley and Arthur Walter Davidson in Milwaukee in the year 1903. By 1908 the company Harley Davidson was born.

Originally built as 1 cylinder racing bikes, Bill Harley decided to try his hand at a 45 degree V-twin. Contrary to popular belief, Harley Davidson did NOT invent the V-twin. Since that first build Harley has not drastically changed their engines. Some of the more notable changes to the Harley were:

1914 - A sidecar was added and Harley entered into serious racing with the "Wrecking Crew"

1915 - The 3 speed transmission was introduced.

1918 - The single cylinder engine was discontinued.

1926 - Single cylinder engines were re-introduced

1928 - The first twin cam engine and front wheel brakes.

In the 1950's the Hell's Angels helped bolster the image of the Harley. These outlaws used Harley Sportsters because they were fast, easy to work on, reliable and cheap. They were also appealing to members because most were ex-military and rode Harleys during their service years. Ironically enough, the bike that was the standard for the real Outlaw Bikers of America are now referred to as "girl bikes" or "Skirtsters".

In the early 60's Harley Davidson started losing its grip as the "Leader of the Pack". Foreign motorcycle manufacturers started producing more powerful, lighter and more reliable bikes at far lower cost.

In 1969, due to financial struggle, Harley Davidson merged with AMF. Unfortunately, the quality drastically decreased and sales plummeted. in 1981 senior members bought back the share from AMF and got quality control back in line.

From that point Harley became more of a status symbol than a high performance machine. Still relying on the very inefficient 45 degree v-twin, they continue to pump out slow and uninspired models that look far too much like the previous year. Overpriced, underpowered and built with more than 75% of the parts manufactured overseas, people still flock to purchase a Harley because it has somehow come to stand for America and for being tough.

Author's note: I used to ride Harleys and used to believe in what they stood for. Then I was cured of my brainwashing when I wanted to purchase a new bike this year. $18,000 for a slow, ugly 75% Jap bike that claims to be American is far too much. By this definition the Honda VTX1300C that I purchased instead is American as it is assembled in Maryland. It is also far more powerful and reliable and costs $8,000.

Before any ignorant HOG zealots decide to fire off any insults and tell me how you think you are all "1 percenters" and you are going to kick my ass (GOD, I can't believe I even associated with you morons) do me a favor... take off your Harley shirt and read the inside tag. Where was it made? Yep, China, Pakistan, Mexico... American, my ass! Stop feeding the fake persona that is HD!

person 1 "Is that a Harley?"
person 2 "Yup, a real Harley Davidson."
person 1 "Easy Rider has convinced me that HD is the only real American motorcycle! I want to buy one but my wife won't let me."

The Urban Dictionary T-Shirt

Harley is the type of girl who jokes around. She could get on your nerves but you would end up laughing. Harley is an awsome listener and she would make you feel better. Harley is very attractive and has a great sense of humor.

The Urban Dictionary T-Shirt

A beautiful brunette girl known to have big boobs or a big ass. She's amazing in so many ways and she can put the biggest smile upon your face! Some underestimate her talents, she's an excellent dancer and she is really good at Volleyball. She has a big smile and a big heart! Her only weakness is showing her spouse/partner how much she cares for them. She's amazing in bed & just like a Harley Davidson Motocycle she's LOUD!

Mike: Did you see that new girl?
Daniel: Yeah, she's brunette & has big boobs? I think she's a Harley!

The Urban Dictionary T-Shirt

in the game of extreme rock paper scissors he beats everything including lava,a blow job,the great spirit,chuck Norris. if words were weapons his name would be most definitely a nuke,if you say his name three times in the dark in front of a mirror with a dead cat hanging out of your ass and speak the ancient phrase sex be nimble sex be quick hel eat your face shit it out wipe his ass with your poop face then do it with TP for a courtesy wipe

The Urban Dictionary T-Shirt

The coolest cat ever! He never backs down from a challenge. His Tiki hut and Hawaiin girl tatoo prove his laid back style. The only man able to silence a room with his eyes. He is "the Man" for sure! On a cold night you wished you were next to him. All the ladies love him!